Emergency scaffolding work planned at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral following roof leak

Following heavy rainfall on March 22 that caused water leakage from the roof of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in central Georgia, the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia has announced plans to install scaffolding to facilitate urgent research and rehabilitation work on the historic site.

The agency, which lacks in-house specialists and necessary equipment for such interventions, is procuring the service through a simplified procurement procedure. The work is expected to be carried out by Gumbati da Galavni LLC, with a contract value of 24,522 GEL. Of this amount, 13,266 GEL is allocated for employee salaries.

According to the agency, the goal is to conduct preliminary emergency and preventive measures to repair damaged roofing sections and prevent further ingress of rainwater into the cathedral. The scaffolding will be installed along the northeastern perimeter and gable roofs to ensure access to key structural areas, particularly the northern slope of the eastern wing.

“The works are essential to stop further deterioration and to safeguard the monument against additional atmospheric damage,” the agency said.

However, the procurement documents do not indicate whether a formal study or project plan has been prepared in advance for the scaffolding arrangement.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an 11th-century masterpiece of Georgian architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized alongside Jvari Monastery and Samtavro Monastery for its outstanding cultural significance.